Chelan Hills Fire: Urgent Evacuations and Road Closures in Washington State

A critical situation is unfolding in Douglas County as the Chelan Hills Fire rapidly expands, forcing immediate evacuations and shutting down major transportation arteries. The wildfire, which ignited shortly after midnight on Saturday near the intersection of U.S. 97 and Chelan Hills Acres Road, has quickly become a primary concern for emergency responders and local residents.

Fire Status and Current Scale

Driven by dangerously dry conditions, the blaze has surged up the hillside, east of the Columbia River. Current estimates place the Chelan Hills Fire at approximately 5,000 acres and growing. Firefighting crews from multiple agencies across the region are currently on the ground, working tirelessly to protect residential structures and establish containment lines to slow the fire’s aggressive spread.

Level 3 “Get Out Now” Evacuations

Due to the volatility of the fire, officials have issued Level 3 Evacuation Notices, the highest urgency level, meaning residents must leave the area immediately. The danger has escalated as the fire jumped McNeil Canyon, spreading toward the north and northeast.

The following areas are under immediate evacuation orders:

• All residences and connected roads in McNeil Canyon.
• Areas extending north to Road 20NW and Beebe Ranch.
• Specific affected roads include: Coyote Curve Ln, Mtn Springs Rd, Utopia Dr, Thomas Dr, Eagles Nest Rd, Sunflower Ln, Yarbrough Dr, Quartz Dr, Pine Hollow Dr, Yellow Topaz Ln, Red Rose Ln, Amethyst Ln, Ridge Rd, Alabaster Dr, Soapstone Dr, Spring Canyon Rd, Shear Granite Dr, Pebble Dr, Haystack Dr, Boulder Rd, Corral Creek Dr, Hedwig Rd, Geneva Dr, Melrose Ln, Buyas Dr, Honey Gold Dr, Imperial Ln, Keepsake Ln, Bigelow Springs Rd, Alta Vista Way, Blue Sky Ln, Canyon View Ln, and Dancing Deer Dr.

Traffic Alerts and Road Closures

Travelers are warned that U.S. Highway 97 is closed between Beebe Bridge and mile marker 232 in Douglas County. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is strongly advising all motorists to utilize the 97 Alternate as a detour to avoid the danger zone and keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

Emergency Resources and Shelters

For those displaced by the Chelan Hills Fire, the American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter to provide food, clothing, and safe lodging.

Shelter Location:
Chelan Elementary School
324 East Johnson Ave, Chelan, WA

Emergency officials urge residents to prioritize lives over property. If you are instructed to leave, ensure you take family members, pets, essential medications, and important legal documents with you immediately.

This is a developing story. For real-time updates on wildfire containment and evacuation maps, please monitor the InciWeb National Incident Management System or follow the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office official channels.